Forest Hills Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Is Airbnb profitable in Forest Hills in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Forest Hills, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Forest Hills, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 27 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Forest Hills, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Forest Hills Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Forest Hills Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Forest Hills (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Forest Hills is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Forest Hills is typically December, while August often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Forest Hills across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,600+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $852 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $472 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $225, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Forest Hills
Forest Hills Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Forest Hills STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Forest Hills:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 75%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 52% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 31%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 18% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Forest Hills
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Forest Hills (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Forest Hills involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Forest Hills typically peaks in July and dips lowest during March. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $121+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $68 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $39 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $28 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Forest Hills
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Forest Hills (2025)
Peak Season (December, June, July)
- Revenue averages $887 per month
- Occupancy rates average 46.1%
- Daily rates average $61
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $705 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 34.8%
- Daily rates hold near $60
Low Season (February, August, September)
- Revenue drops to average $551 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 34.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $59
Seasonality Insights for Forest Hills
- The Airbnb seasonality in Forest Hills shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Forest Hills's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $950, occupancy reaching a high of 52.3%, and ADRs peaking at $62.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $528, occupancy could drop to 29.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $56.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Forest Hills.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Forest Hills seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Forest Hills (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Forest Hills? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Hills | A sought-after suburban area known for its peaceful environment and family-friendly atmosphere. Ideal for travelers looking for a calm getaway close to nature yet accessible to urban amenities. | Forest Hills Park, Hiking trails in the nearby Drakensberg, Local markets, Family-friendly activities, Nearby beaches |
| Berea | A vibrant suburb known for its good mix of culture, education, and business. It attracts visitors to its historical sites and local cuisine. | University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban Botanical Gardens, Berea Market, Local art galleries, Restaurants and cafes |
| Umhlanga Rocks | One of the most popular tourist destinations in Durban, known for its stunning beaches and modern attractions. Perfect for beachgoers and holidaymakers. | Umhlanga Lighthouse, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga Main Beach, Oceans Mall, Local restaurants |
| Durban North | A family-friendly area with easy access to beaches. An attractive option for visitors looking for local flavor combined with coastal experiences. | Durban North Beach, Local parks, Shark Net Beach, Golden Mile, Restaurants with coastal views |
| Pinetown | A suburban area that offers a mix of local life and proximity to Durban’s attractions, making it a practical choice for visits and stays. | Pinetown Country Club, Shopping centers, Parks and recreation areas, Historic landmarks, Garden routes |
| Ballito | A popular coastal town known for its pristine beaches, excellent waves, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect vacation choice. | Ballito Bay Beach, Willard Beach, Shopping malls, Restaurants, Adventure activities |
| Stanger | An emerging area with a growing number of attractions and points of interest, appealing to a different demographic of travelers. | Dolphin Coast, Local culture and heritage sites, Emerging shopping areas, Restaurants, Nature parks |
| Margate | A beach town that's part of the South Coast, known for its lively atmosphere, making it ideal for beach lovers and people looking for a vibrant scene. | Margate Main Beach, Margate Beach Club, Local entertainment areas, Fishing spots, Lively nightlife |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Forest Hills (2025)
While Forest Hills, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Forest Hills to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Forest Hills (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Forest Hillsbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Le Chemin Guesthouse
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Alegria Barn Self-catering house -Solar Power
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
MacLeod House Guest Cottage-Nature lovers' getaway
Entire Place • N/A
Rustic Eco Cottage within Waterfall Retreat Centre
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Q's Palace
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Sinoza Corporate Zone
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Forest Hills (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Forest Hills based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gwynne | 3 | $50,436 | 235 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Yolande | 1 | $21,927 | 83 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Kerri | 2 | $17,622 | 87 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Johan | 2 | $12,696 | 43 | 4.42/5.0 |
| Dudu | 3 | $10,730 | 185 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Lyn | 1 | $10,271 | 29 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Host #469769391 | 1 | $8,585 | 1 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #151563090 | 1 | $8,187 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Jane | 1 | $6,721 | 46 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Mark | 1 | $6,544 | 98 | 4.95/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Forest Hills.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Forest Hills STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Forest Hills. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsForest Hills Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Forest Hills
- The Forest Hills Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 92.6% of the 27 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Forest Hills, House properties are the most common (40.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 40.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 18.5% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 3.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Forest Hills Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Forest Hills
- The dominant room capacity in Forest Hills is 1 bedroom listings, making up 55.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 77.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Forest Hills, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- With over half the market (55.6%) consisting of studios or 1-bedroom units, Forest Hills is particularly well-suited for individuals or couples.
Forest Hills Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Forest Hills
- The most common guest capacity trend in Forest Hills vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (55.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Forest Hills STR market, accounting for 74.1% of listings.
- A significant 55.6% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Forest Hills.
- 18.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Forest Hills.
- On average, properties in Forest Hills are equipped to host 3.3 guests.
Forest Hills Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Forest Hills
- The most common availability pattern in Forest Hills falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 40.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 77.7% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Forest Hills (40.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 22.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Forest Hills Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
13 listings
48.1% of total
2 Nights
11 listings
40.7% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
7.4% of total
30+ Nights
1 listings
3.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Forest Hills is 1 Night, adopted by 48.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (88.8%) of the Forest Hills Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 48.1% of Forest Hills hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Forest Hills.
Forest Hills Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
7 listings
30.4% of total
Moderate
5 listings
21.7% of total
Firm
6 listings
26.1% of total
Strict
5 listings
21.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Forest Hills
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Forest Hills is Flexible, used by 30.4% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (52.1%) and stricter (47.8%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 30.4% market standard in Forest Hills.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Forest Hills.
Forest Hills STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Forest Hills
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Forest Hills is 33 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 59 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 17 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (44 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (36 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (33 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Forest Hills.
- For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 59 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 44 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Forest Hills averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Forest Hills (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Forest Hills
- Essential amenities in Forest Hills that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Hangers. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Wifi, Essentials, TV are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Forest Hills: Free parking on premises, Hangers.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Hangers.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Wifi or Essentials to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Forest Hills to stay competitive.
Forest Hills Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Forest Hills
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Forest Hills consists of primarily domestic travelers (81%), often arriving from nearby Durban, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Zulu.
- Domestic travelers account for 80.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include South Africa (80.6%) and United Kingdom (7.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (56.4%) followed by Zulu (16.3%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Durban and Johannesburg.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Forest Hills Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KwaDukuza Local Municipality | 1,399 | $1,213 | $179.58 | 31% |
| Umhlanga Rocks | 676 | $1,167 | $136.66 | 35% |
| Westbrook | 36 | $1,067 | $153.07 | 31% |
| Impendle Local Municipality | 17 | $1,019 | $135.86 | 33% |
| Umdloti / eMdloti | 315 | $995 | $115.04 | 35% |
| Okhahlamba Local Municipality | 181 | $961 | $127.08 | 32% |
| uMgeni Local Municipality | 417 | $849 | $97.01 | 30% |
| Umkomaas | 16 | $731 | $80.12 | 36% |
| Mpofana Local Municipality | 65 | $670 | $96.42 | 25% |
| Kwa Sani Local Municipality | 125 | $650 | $107.61 | 26% |